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By B. H. Bergstrom, W. Mitchell, C. L. Sollenberger

D. W. Fuerstenau (Associate Professor of Metallurgy, Dept. of Mineral Technology, University of California, Berkeley, Calif.) and D. A. Sullivan, Jr. (with the University of California) — Messrs. Bergstrom, Sollenberger and Mitchell have shown in two excellent papers that the energy per unit mass required for the breaking of spheres is inversely proportional to the size modulus of the fragments of the broken spheres. They found that the fragments of spheres broken within a steel enclosure were finer than those produced by breaking spheres encased in gelatin. This results from utilization of part of the strain energy at fracture for secondary breakage. For spheres not encased in gelatin, these authors found that after fracture the fragments of the spheres possess kinetic energy amounting to 45% of the strain energy needed for initial fracture. Breakage of a sphere in gelatin results in waste of this kinetic energy, whereas breakage inside the steel container makes use of this kinetic energy for further size

Jan 1, 1962

By Igor Wilkomirsky

Professor Ralph Harris was interested in minor elements behavior in nonferrous pyrometallurgical processes. His approach always considered fundamental aspects and technological considerations for the assessment of different challenges that today are becoming critical, particularly for Andean sulfides ores, where the content of Va elements (As, Sb and Bi) has challenged available technologies. This reviews the status of control and monitoring of As in copper smelters to give a general framework for this now-common problem. Some selected results of R & D programs at the University of Concepción are presented in the field of roasting, presenting a novel proposition for flue dust treatment as an alternative to the classical hydrometallurgical processes for these type of materials. This presentation seeks to open a broad but precise discussion about the needs of research in this area with further experimental and physicochemical modeling. The pioneering visions developed by Professor Harris with his students are now a source of inspiration and an unavoidable source of information.

Jan 1, 2013

By W. Setzepfandt, J. Henneke

PREFACE Debris disposal can very often be a severe problem and major restriction on tunnel boring projects, especially for small diameter tunnels and in underground mines. Hydraulic transport could provide a suitable solution. Investigations have therefore been made in connection with a full-scale project of 4.8 km length and 2,3 m diameter, to obtain the required technical and economical data for planning an optimized transport system, e.g. for a tunnel boring drivage of 6 - 7 m diameter in underground coal mines. INTRODUCTION The Radau-Tunnel, chosen for the investigations, has been designed for transferring flood peaks between the rivers Radau and Grosse Romke in the Harz-Mountain of Lower Saxony. A DEMAG TVM 20/23 H tunnel boring machine was used to drive the tunnel on a rising gradient of 0,53 %. The rock consisted of shale and hornblende (55 %), granite (15 %), diabase (15 %), chert (8 %) and gabbro (7 %). The project has been sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology.

Jan 1, 1981

By H. N. Herrick

THE flow characteristics of drilling muds, as described in this paper, and the method given for solving problems relating to the flow of these muds through pipe and accessory equipment, are based on a conception that drilling muds are plastic solids like paints or greases; not liquids. The data presented in this report have been obtained from studies of California muds, chiefly those used in the Kettleman Hills field, by the Producing Department of the Standard Oil Company of California. Although no claim of scientific exactness is made for the formulas and diagrams, since the data upon which they are based, are not. complete even for California muds, the method has proved to be a convenient means for estimating, closely enough for practical purposes, the pressures required to force muds at various rates through pipe systems in which they are handled. Certain approximations have been made to simplify the procedures so that they can be used easily in the field.

Jan 1, 1932

By Morris Muskat

ANALYTICAL calculations have been carried out on the effect of casing perforations on the productivity of wells, and formulas have been derived for general types of perforation patterns. The numerical calculations, however, show that the resultant well productivity is essentially independent of the perforation pattern, but is determined mainly by the total perforation density. Thus, for example, for a density of three perforations per foot of casing, the well productivity will be cut to one third of that of the uncased well for a perforation radius of 1/3 in., and to approximately one half for a perforation radius of 1/4 in,, regardless of the detailed manner in which the perforations are distributed over the casing surface. The analytical theory is also extended to include wells completed with slotted liners. It is shown that the reduction in productivity due to such liners will be relatively small as compared with that due to perforated casings.

Jan 1, 1942

A 2-year moratorium on accreditation of curricula bearing new designations has been declared by Engineers' Council for Professional Development at its Executive Committee meeting on July 29, 1952. Reason: a more definitive description of what the contents of a curriculum should include to be appropriately designated as "engineering" is needed. This action was brought on by the Committee of Evaluation of the American Society of Engineering Education which had become perturbed over the extension of the name "engineering" to numerous fringe curricula. The 2-year period will permit time for the Committee on Evaluation to study the question and make a recommendation for further action by ECPD. ECPD action also provided that the following curricula should only be given provisional accreditation for one year upon either inspection or reinspection; such provisional accreditation to be extended annually for not more than two successive years pending the report: Engineering Physics, Engineering Mechanics, Geological Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, and Textile Engineering. There are 22 such curricula now accredited.

Jan 1, 1952

By I. Milton LeBaron

Operation of the phosphate flotation plant at the Peace valley mine of the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Florida, began in the summer of 1942. Since that time several changes have been made in the flowsheet, with resultant increases in metallurgical results. Three flowsheets, together with the comparative plant results, are given in this paper, together with a discussion of the desliming circuit used for preliminary washing of the flotation feed. Fig. I lists the essential units in the original flowsheet at the Peace Valley plant. The figures for tonnage and grade are average for a period of two months. Mineral Separation Airflow cells are used for both the fatty acid and the amine float. Three immediate difficulties presented themselves in the use of this flow sheet: I. Floating a maximum amount of phosphate in the rougher section to give good recovery sent a low-grade concentrate to the silica float, resulting in high costs for amine reagent in that section.

Jan 1, 1947

By I. Milton LeBaron

OPERATION of the phosphate flotation plant at the Peace Valley mine of the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Florida, began in the summer of [ ] 1942. Since that time several changes have been made in the flowsheet, with resultant increases in metallurgical results. Three flowsheets, together with the comparative plant results, are given in this paper, together with a discussion of the desliming circuit used for preliminary washing of the flotation feed. FIRST FLOWSHEET CHANGES Fig. I lists the essential units in the original flowsheet at the Peace Valley plant. The figures for tonnage and grade are average for a period of two months. Mineral Separation Airflow cells are used for both the fatty acid and the amine float. Three immediate difficulties presented themselves in the use of this flow sheet: I. Floating a maximum amount of phosphate in the rougher section to give good recovery sent a low-grade concentrate to the silica float, resulting in high costs for amine reagent in that section.

Jan 1, 1946

By Andrew F. McKown

This paper will discuss the mechanisms of potential damage from close-in construction blasting, concentrating on two mechanisms: elastic ground vibrations and non-elastic (permanent) ground deformations. The latter will be shown to be the most dangerous for close-in blasting. With respect to elastic ground vibrations, discussion will center on the differences in vibration frequencies and impacts between typical close-in construction blasting and typical mine and quarry blasts, and how using vibration criteria derived for residential structures near mines can lead to very conservative criteria for close-in construction blasting. The effects of high frequency vibrations seen in close-in blasting will be commented on. Factors affecting the magnitude of ground motions will be discussed. Simple, practical techniques will be presented to minimize the potential for damage from close-in blasting, by minimizing the potential for rock block movement or ground heave. Case histories will be presented to illustrate some of the techniques discussed, and give examples of successful close-in blasting projects.

Jan 1, 1991

By Michael G. Nelson

Underground coal mining practice often requires that some coal be left in place at the seam boundaries after mining, for purposes of ground control, quality control, machine guidance, or good operating practice. Many methods for measuring the thickness of boundary coal have been developed, but only the natural % R gamma background method as bee used in routine operations. Use of this method is constrained by the level and consistency of the natural gamma background in the bordering strata, the accuracy of the gamma detection instrument, and the elevation profile of the seam boundary being detected. Computer simulations for three commercially available gamma detection instruments, designed for mine use, showed that measurement of boundary coal thickness by the natural gamma method can provide satisfactory input for horizon control systems when the gamma detector is large, when the sensor is mounted on the mining machine, and when the elevation profile of the seam boundary does not change rapidly in the direction of advance.

Jan 1, 1993

By I. Milton LeBaron

Operation of the phosphate flotation plant at the Peace valley mine of the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Florida, began in the summer of 1942. Since that time several changes have been made in the flowsheet, with resultant increases in metallurgical results. Three flowsheets, together with the comparative plant results, are given in this paper, together with a discussion of the desliming circuit used for preliminary washing of the flotation feed. Fig. I lists the essential units in the original flowsheet at the Peace Valley plant. The figures for tonnage and grade are average for a period of two months. Mineral Separation Airflow cells are used for both the fatty acid and the amine float. Three immediate difficulties presented themselves in the use of this flow sheet: I. Floating a maximum amount of phosphate in the rougher section to give good recovery sent a low-grade concentrate to the silica float, resulting in high costs for amine reagent in that section.

Jan 1, 1947

By John Gross

A SURVEY of the status of ore dressing in 19231 placed particular stress on the need of research in the crushing and grinding of ore, especially on the need for a method of measuring the surface of the products obtained in crushing and grinding, and for fundamental data on the law of crushing, in order that intelligent conclusions may be drawn from actual crushing or grinding experiments. There has been no satisfactory means of determining the surface of crushed products. The results have been judged entirely by the amount of the various sizes produced, based on sieve sizing for particles above 74 microns in size and on microscopic measurement or elutriation for particles below 74 microns, a method which could give only a general idea of what had been accomplished. The fact that the long controversy between the followers of Kick and of Rittinger has resulted in no accepted conclusion is evidence of the need for fundamental data on the crushing law.

Jan 1, 1928

By F. A. Loving

This paper describes experiments which represent an effort to measure preciscly the pressure-time history in detonating condensed commercial explosives. The performance of explosives in mining has been a favorite subject for experimentalists and theorists for many decades. Much useful empirical information has been developed; but it has not yet been possible to predict, or even to account for, the behavior of explosives in mining on the basis of fundamental physical principals. A basic piece of information that would appear necessary for any rigorous analysis is the pressure-time history in the detonating condensed explosive. The experiments described here represent an effort to measure this relationship precisely in commercial explosives. THE EXPERIMENTAL METHOD The experimental method, first described by Cowan and Jacksonl has been extensively evaluated by Cowan and Balchan for relatively simple explosives. The experimental procedure involves the detonation of a layer of explosive between metal plates whose external surfaces are polished to a mirror finish (Fig. 1). Precise measurements of the deflection of

Jan 1, 1967

By Weir D. R, Doyle B. N

The Sherritt Zinc Pressure Leaching Process is based upon the direct pressure leaching of zinc sulphide or lead-zinc bulk sulphide concentrates to produce zinc sulphate in solution and elemental sulphur in the leach residues. The zinc sulphate solution is compatible with conventional purification and electrowinning technology. The pressure leach residues can be treated for the recovery of elemental sulphur, lead and silver. With the conversion of sulphur to the elemental form, zinc pressure leaching allows zinc winning to be independent of sulphuric acid production. Direct pressure leaching of zinc sulphide concentrates was started commercially in October 1980. Continuing research and development studies have defined various pressure leaching configurations for integration with existing roast-leach operations, for grass roots plants, or for plants which are to have the roast-leach section completely replaced. These studies have included the treatment of zinc concentrates from various Australian producers and the development of process flowsheets for potential applications in Australia.

Jan 1, 1989

By A G. Grice

Surface disposal of mining processing wastes is usually perceived as an undesirable consequence of meeting societyÆs needs for metals and minerals. Environmental disasters associated with the discharge or storage of such wastes, though infrequent, can have very damaging consequences for the environment and the industry. Reducing or eliminating the potential for such events may be achieved by placing some or all of these processing wastes back into the voids created by the mining operations. Processing operations may limit or enhance the opportunities for using tailings and other waste products as a backfill material. Backfilling is a truly multi-disciplinary process and requires the informed involvement of mining, metallurgical, engineering and environmental specialists. This paper describes the range of fill types currently being used in Australian mines, particularly those utilising processing wastes as constituents. It focuses on how processing operations can affect the suitability of these materials for the various types of fill, the resulting fill properties, fill performance and costs.

Jan 1, 2002

By A. W. Effinger

The Bureau of Mines used regression analysis and applied statistical methods in an effort to rationalize the results of an experiment examining the effects of certain variables on carbon deposition in a reservoir for thermal recovery of petroleum. Although none of the 15 trials of the original experiment resulted in the response of weight-percent of carbon regarded by the experimenter as adequate, values calculated using canonical analysis in two trials yielded responses 33 and 54 percent higher than the minimum acceptable figure. The actual responses differed by less than 3 and 6 percent, respectively, from the predicted responses. Methods are described for defining a path of increasing response based on the minimum point and the response surfaces and for defining a set of values for the parameters in question, which result in increased response, A detailed explanation of the mathematical process used in this analysis is presented in the appendix for ease in computer programing the technique.

Jan 1, 1970

By John M. Dealy, Robert D. Pehlke

Values for interaction parameters in nonferrous systems, as calculated from published data, are tabulated and discussed. The influence of temperature on the parameter is derived and compared with the results of the literature study. Wagner's relationship between the interaction parameter and the self interaction coefficients is compared with the tabulated data. A problem which has been of considerable interest in the field of metallurgy is the prediction of the effect of one alloying element present in dilute concentration on the thermodynamic properties of another dilute alloying element. Ultimately, the prediction may be accomplished entirely from statistical mechanical considerations. At the present, however, the problem remains unsolved since liquid solution models which are simple enough for analytical treatment are inadequate for such purposes. Thus, we desire some means of organizing the information on dilute systems which will serve as a guide for further study on interactions in dilute alloys, and also provide a basis for the utilization of thermodynamic data in the engineering design of alloys.

Jan 1, 1963

Increasing demands on quality of metallurgical grade alumina and for lower production costs led to the development of a new fluid bed calcining process. The process, jointly developed in Germany by Vereinigte Aluminium Werke A.G. and Lurgi Gesellschaften m.b.H., takes advantage of modern chemical engineering methods such as counter-current flow of combustion air and solids, direct heat-exchange between combustion air and fine solids and near stoichiometric combustion of oil in a fluid bed. Using a two-stage Venturi-type suspension preheater for heat-recovery from combustion flue- gases, the circulating fluid bed technique with internal oil combustion at 2.2000 F for the calcining step and 'a five-stage fluidized bed cooler for heat recovery from calcines, the process gives an outstanding heat- efficiency. In a first industrial plant for 560 sh. t. alumina per day heat consumption figures of less than 1.400 BTU/lb A12O3 were achieved.

Jan 1, 1971

By Roger Lacroix

Fuel cell application to mining has been indicated to be potentially beneficial to underground mine worker health and to energy efficiency. In order to define the economic advantages of using hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, a detailed study of operating and capital costs associated with underground loaders and power supply infrastructure has been carried out. The results show that for a typical medium-size mine, operating costs and infrastructure costs are less for the fuel cell option versus diesel. The reverse occurs for capital costs owing to the currently higher cost of fuels cells versus diesel engines. This disparity is expected to decrease given the decline in price associated with fuel cell technology advances. Related market issues for fuel cell manufacturers are also presented. Despite the difference in cost, the resources and mine infrastructure required to operate loaders, and base design of the mine loader, is similar for diesel and fuel call versions.

May 1, 2007

By John Freeman

THIS paper relates entirely to the casting of brass under fluid pressure in steel dies. Die castings of metals and alloys of low melting point have been available for many years but the development of brass die castings has been relatively recent, occurring within the past five years. The successful development of brass die castings has resulted from the availability of alloy steels that would give satisfactory life as dies and the development of suitable die-casting machines. The melting point of copper is 1084° C. (1983° F.) and of a high brass about 900° C. (1652° F.), as compared to 327.5° C. (621.5° F.) for lead, 419.4° C. (786.7° F.) for zinc and 658.7° C. (1217.7° F.) for aluminum, temperatures that are indicative of the casting temperatures required for the various types of alloys, of which the melting points are somewhat lower than those of the pure metals.

Jan 1, 1935